Month: July 2012

For the most part, Massachusetts business owners who are equipped with workers compensation will not be held liable for accidents on company property. As long as the employer provides sufficient workers comp, the employee is generally not allowed to sue the employer. However, there are always some exceptions. Are you aware of them? An injured employee may have the right to receive workers comp AND sue the employer for civil damages if: • The employer is found guilty of violating federal and state anti-discriminatory statute • The employer engages in fraudulent activity • The employer violates sexual harassment laws • … Continue reading The 411 on Employers Civil Liability

Did you know that occupational diseases are responsible for an estimated 860,000 illnesses and 60,300 deaths each year? According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, these numbers are accurate. This issue is often overlooked, especially when it comes to filing for workers compensation because occupational disease MUST result from the nature of the employee’s condition rather than from a specific job. As a business owner, it is important to understand when occupational disease can be compensated. According to WorkersCompensation.com, occupational disease is only compensable if: 1. “A condition peculiar to the occupation causes a disease; 2. The employee contracts … Continue reading Occupational Disease 101

As your Massachusetts workers compensation provider, our agency believes it is important to understand workers comp terms (not just the policy!) Having a thorough understanding and working knowledge of these terms may come in handy some time down the line. Last week, we covered the first half of important terms to know. This week, we have five more to go over: #1: Gatekeeper: A “gatekeeper” refers to the physician who is required to give approval to the patient before seeking special medical treatment. #2: Functional Capacity Evaluation: Refers to the testing of an employee’s specific physical activities (lifting, bending, pulling, … Continue reading Workers Compensation Terminology, Part 2

As a business owner, it is important to be familiar with Massachusetts workers compensation. After all, it is required by state and federal law! However, many business owners may not be familiar with ALL terms associated with this coverage option. This week, our agency has put together a few terms that business owners should be aware of: #1: Aggravation: Aggravations are not usually temporary and imply a fresh incident that produced additional impairment to a previously injured area. #2: Cumulative Trauma: This concept implies that repeated minor stresses may result in injury or disability. #3: Employability: A term that defines … Continue reading Workers Compensation Terminology, Part 1

In many Massachusetts workers compensation cases, the main contact that employers and employees will have to deal with is a claims adjuster. The claims adjuster is there to keep track of the state of medical condition the injured employee is in, their working condition and of course, to make sure the interest of the company is protected. In short, the claims adjuster is there to help. However, there are plenty of cases where the adjuster is not treated as well as he or she should be. The key thing to remember: the adjuster is not out to get the employee … Continue reading Reasons to Maintain a Good Relationship With Your Claims Adjuster